Adam Campola Named Great Lakes Steward

The Michigan Racing Commission has named Adam Campola, the clerk of scales at the major Maryland tracks since 2000, steward at Great Lakes Downs. The six-month meeting opens May 6.

"I have had a few fill-in days here and at Colonial Downs but to get a shot at a full-time position is a first step for the next chapter," said Campola, who rode 450 winners as a jockey during the 1980s. "After I stopped riding I didn't know what I was going to do. I galloped horses and got a job on the parking lot then was lucky to land a position in the jocks room."

Frank Saumell was promoted from jockeys' room manager to replace Campola. Steve Hamilton, who officially retired last week as a rider, will fill Saumell's former role.

Michigan&amp;#8217;s horseracing industry, already reeling from decreases in revenue and the possible closure of Great Lakes Downs after this season, is facing an Oct. 1 shutdown should the state legislature fail to approve a budget.